During an extended interview with local media last week, Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy weighed in on the mosque-near-Ground-Zero controversy, saying that while the developers have a right to move forward with the project, it would be better for them to honor the feelings of the 9/11 families and consider an alternate site.

This is an interesting approach for Duffy, since he is the LG running mate of Democratic gubernatorial designee Andrew Cuomo.

The AG has supported the mosque in no uncertain terms, making a freedom of religion argument, and has declined to heed the calls of his Republican opponents, Rick Lazio and Carl Paladino, to investigate the project’s funding (which is admittedly paltry at this moment).

Duffy said he understands the raw emotions behind opposition to the mosque, noting he lost a friend on Sept. 11 – Port Authority Police Superintendent Fred Morrone – but also doesn’t want to second-guess local NYC leaders like Mayor Bloomberg, who are closer to the issue than he is.

“I think the best, on one hand, with the emotion with the way people feel, I think one of the best outcomes would be if those who were looking to build it – perhaps out of respect – would choose to build somewhere else so as not to take away from some of the emotional feelings that especially families have of those who perished,” Duffy said.

“…But the one thing about this country, when you look at the first amendment and you look at the rule of law, you can’t compare us to anyone else, because there are things this country will support legally that is perhaps is controversial on an emotional level for people but that is the beauty of our system.”

“The emotional stuff I understand. But I guess my best thing is: Let’s let the rule of law rule on this. Whatever that may be on the outcome. But the politicians that are looking for a maybe a quick sound byte or something that gets an emotional reaction. I think what that is doing is even bringing a greater disrespect.”

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